Congratulations to Jason Watts and Tyson Jones-Peni on NORA Cup nominations - Back Bone BMX

Congratulations to Jason Watts and Tyson Jones-Peni on NORA Cup nominations

Team rider Jason Watts and myself (Tyson Jones-Peni) have both been nominated in this year's NORA Cup (Number One Rider Award) hosted by Our BMX!....
September 04, 2023 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Making memories with the Australian BMX scene - ACT Jam 2021 recap - Back Bone BMX

Making memories with the Australian BMX scene - ACT Jam 2021 recap

ACT Jam started in the year 2000 by some BMXers who cared about the culture of BMX and wanted to see it flourish in Australia. It ran until 2005. We brought it back in 2013 because ACT Jam, and jams like it, are a big part - probably the biggest part - of why we have a BMX shop. We love BMX and we use the shop as a platform to grow the BMX scene and provide more of what we love.

It's amazing to see the support the Australian BMX scene shows with its attendance at each jam we run. The smiles and overall stoke-age that permeates throughout the crowd over the weekend gets us hyped. It's a party that the BMX scene attends year after year and we're damn grateful.

It was a shame to not have the international presence like we've had in previous years, but they'll be back once this current situation cleans itself up.

Day one was back at Weston Creek, the park was opened up for a lot more lines and transfers, as well as the 4 foot extension in the round bowl which definitely made for more speed and blast. Weston Creek local Tyrone Edwards went to the moon while Jonny Mackellar handplanted here, there and everywhere (he also tried a handplant 360 over the spine..). 

The more open park meant that Jason Watts got the speed and ripped a 360 across legitimately the whole thing, it was insane - more insane in the fact that Jason did it twice. So gnarly.

Jason Watts 360 transfer act jam 2021Jason Watts, going bananas. Huge 360 transfer. Photo: Jack Gruber

Day Two was at Tuggeranong. The sun was belting down. The jam ran a few weeks earlier than normal to allow for better chance of warmer weather and it definitely paid off - it was balmy.

The build crew got a rad step up box jump going with a right hip that led into the park. This feature got a workout - there was a huge, revolving queue that never stopped the whole day. Liam Quinlivan AKA Quinny double backflipped the thing - not the first double backie Tuggeranong skatepark has seen (Shane Conlon tried one decades ago at a dirt comp beside the park), but certainly the first one landed! It was crazy. 

Josh Dove also continued on his shred across the whole park, making things look all-too-easy. Hyped to see Cody Pollard blast anytime, but the vert ramp was getting a once over from the QLDer. Casual double digits, it was a sight to see.

Cody Pollard BMX act jam 2021Cody Pollard can blast. Photo: Jack Gruber  

The final day at the BentSpoke Cannery was a beauty. Even though the BMX riding didn't start until 1pm, I personally thought it was really cool for the crowd to have insight into how this whole thing happens. There was a tight group of BMXers literally building and finishing the course, right in front of their eyes. It was my personal highlight of the day.

Once the ramps were finished and the droves of BMXers got a session, we kicked it off with a high jump over the box, that went into a best trick over the box. It was a real shootout with the high jump, Jason, Dovey and Chowgy (Ryan Saville) were all way up there, but Chowgy took top honours.

Alec Danelutti and Jonny Mack tied it up for best trick, Alec did a 360 oppo downside whip to tuck no hander (you know a trick is hard when it takes 8 words to type it out), while Jonny took the unique route and handplanted over it, which was nuts, to travel that distance so low with your hand off, sideways.

Jimmah x up crooks act jam 2021Jimmah getting crook. Photo: Jack Gruber

We moved onto the street slayer best trick, which was a shootout of rail moves that were all crazy. It was tough to give it to one person for one trick, so we gave it to one person for a plethora of tricks. Jimmah AKA James Pease did all sorts, x-up crooks, half barspin over pegs, x-up over crooks, as well as a bunch more. He got a pocket full of cash for his efforts.

Josh Dove air BentSpoke act jam 2021Josh Dove clearing that BentSpoke case height pole.. Photo: Jack Gruber

The high air at the end of the day was pure BMX. Pedalling as fast as the space allowed at a 10 foot quarter was a sight to see. If you've seen the photos, there's a circular sticker on one of the cases that is 10 foot high.. There were a few riders knocking out 10 foot plus airs.

It came down to whoever could pedal the fastest and in the end, Josh Dove got wayyy up there.

Ranch Hand premiere act jam 2021Ranch Hand Premiere. Photo: Jack Gruber

After it was all said and done, we gave out a lot of cash to the riders and the young gun, the quiet shredder, Josh Dove, got crowned king of the ACT. That dude is a legend and a ripper. Plus, he's not yet 18! He hasn't even gotten his man strength yet - once he does the whole world will be chasing him to catch up on his skills.

We weren't even done there! B-Dog premiered the long awaited Ranch Hand video - it was a mammoth project that got a lot of people stoked. I'm sure it will be out in tangible copy form soon, so hold tight.

Act jam 2021 presentation bentspokeAward time with Rhysty and BentSpoke owner Richard.

Big thanks to the major sponsors who helped allow the jam to happen in such big way this year: BentSpoke, Vans Australia, Colony BMX, Cult Crew and Wethepeople.

Also the build crew who made the ramps happen in a big way, NBD, Hardwood Projects and Miner Projects, headed up by Universal Ramps front man Jason Watts (who got precisely 45 mins of sleep over the whole weekend). There's so many who helped out additionally, you know who you are and thank you.

The 2021 ACT Jam was about as hardcore BMX as it gets for an event. Riders building ramps, young and old riding, from all over Australia. If you were a part of it by simply taking the time to attending, thanks for coming and adding to the experience! If you weren't there, then there is always next year.

- Tyson 

 

Aidan Rice was in attendance and put together this ripper of a video. Thanks Aidan!

Photos below by Jack Gruber!

Act Jam 2021 Jason Watts lookback bentspokeJason Watts, this is a lookback that happened AFTER he caught a decade. Decade-to-lookback. Insane.

Ryan Saville tuggeranong act jam 2021Ryan Saville getting full Chowgy.

Cody Pollard bmx act jam 2021Cody Pollard tuckin & diving while Wilton Hedley cranks into the quarter.

Wilton Hedley bmx act jam 2021Wilton Hedley, pull back or die.

Tyrone Edwards act jam 2021Tyrone Edwards always making it look good.

Jonny Mackellar bmx act jam 2021Jonny Mackellar ripping the 360 nac nac.

Jason Watts bmx act jam 2021Jason Watts going super large on the extension at Weston.

Dylan Steinhardt bmx act jam 2021Dylan Steinhardt with the super heavy up wheels to barspin at BentSpoke.

Josh Dove bmx act jam 2021270 back seat grab by the King of the ACT, Josh Dove.

Matt Green BMX act jam 2021Matt Green getting it done with the 360 over the rail.

Jason Watts bentspoke air act jam 2021It must be noted that this is an oppo air for Jason, and that he's awfully close to the top of the height pole. That's high..

April 22, 2021 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Jason Watts; Pro Cup winner & NORA nominee - Back Bone BMX

Jason Watts; Pro Cup winner & NORA nominee

Jason with that crazy pull-back flip transfer that secured him the win in Mexico. Photo: Rob Dolecki courtesy of VansBMXProCup.com

A quick highlight the fact that Cult crew shredder Jason Watts is 100% on a tear at the moment; not only did he just go back-to-back with another win at the last Vans BMX Pro Cup in Mexico, but he has also just been nominated for NORA Cup transition rider of the year!

It will no doubt be very rad if he pulls it off the NORA, but either way, Jason is showing that it is possible to ride at the highest level, while keeping it fun at the same time.

Jason is also just about to shred as team captain at Battle Of Hastings; keep your eyes out for that.

Jason Watts Vans Pro Cup Mexico winner

The Vans BMX Pro Cup winner Mexico, 3 years in a row! Photo: VansBMXProCup.com

  

September 03, 2019 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Jason Watts Vans BMX Pro Cup Germany Winner! - Back Bone BMX

Jason Watts Vans BMX Pro Cup Germany Winner!

Jason Watts and the crew at Stuttgart, Germany. Photo: Rob Dolecki, taken from the Vans BMX Pro Cup website.

You gotta be frothin on this (cause we are!), Back Bone team rider Jason Watts just won the second Vans BMX Pro Cup in Stuttgart, Germany! Watch the official highlights video now below, as well as the moves that got Jason the win aboard his freshly built up Cult Walsh Hawk frame. Add to this the best trick win at the Vans BMX Pro Cup in Five Dock and you've got a heck of a year getting tee'd up..

Stoked for you Jase!

The official highlights video from the Vans BMX Pro Cup in Germany

Jason Watts coming home with the win at the Vans BMX Pro Cup in Germany! Video: Our BMX

June 18, 2019 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Cult Crew ACT Jam 2019 Video - Back Bone BMX

Cult Crew ACT Jam 2019 Video

Some of the Cult Crew were lurking in and around Canberra leading up to this year's ACT Jam and the legendary Veesh threw down and made this killer video from their time here. I will say this though; Veesh has got a crazy work ethic. No matter what's going down he is there capturing it for you to enjoy, doing a damn good job at it too!

It was three days of BMX pandemonium here for this year's ACT Jam, there is still a hefty story coming up that I'm writing so we'll keep this one brief and let your eyeballs enjoy the goodness from the Cult Crew.

One last thing for this post - big thanks to the Cult dudes Jason Watts, Veesh, Benn Pigot, Pat Freyne, Preston Okert, Kyle Fletcher and of course this year's KOTA Corey Walsh for making it out and destroying!

- Tyson

May 11, 2019 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Cult Down Under video (Welcome to the team Jason Watts) - Back Bone BMX

Cult Down Under video (Welcome to the team Jason Watts)

 

No doubt you've seen this increddddible 17+ minute long rip snorter of a video from the Cult crew by now, but if you haven't, now is the time to really sit back and absorb some seriously, seriously, amazing riding in our own backyard. Corey Walsh and Dan Foley were able to travel across the Pacific with BMX filmer and all-round legend Veesh, to meet up with our bro (and long time Back Bone team rider) Benn Pigot, as well as newly appointed Cult team rider (and also Back Bone team rider) Jason Watts. 

The dudes spent some time in Melbourne and Sydney, as well as a bunch of time in here in Canberra, destroying the place in the best way they know how, on a BMX bike. Plenty of the trails in this vid, as well as a heavy dose of Canberra skateparks.

The Cult crew also put on a hell of a show with a jam at Belconnen skatepark one of the days they were here, I shot some photos for that, which you can see below. 

If this video doesn't get you stoked on what Cult is doing, as well as what the Australian BMX scene has to offer, then you might be doing the wrong thing!

- Tyson

Benn Pigot belconnen skatepark turndown

Benn Pigot doing it proper. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Corey Walsh belconnen skatepark

Corey Walsh, Zac Miner and Jason Watts hangin'. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

Dan Foley Belconnen skatepark can can

Dan Foley is as smooth as it gets, with style to match. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

jason watts bmx belco bowl belconnen skatepark

The dude Jason Watts is runnin' it right now.. His part in the Cult Down Under video is bonkers. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni 

January 15, 2019 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Jason Watts Vans Path To Pro Cup Video - Back Bone BMX

Jason Watts Vans Path To Pro Cup Video

 
Vans give you an insight into our dude Jason Watts with this epic video, with Jason shredding in Aus and what he gets up to travelling around in that matte black bus of his. Jase is livin' the life of a BMXer, that's for sure. Stoked to him tear the world a new one. There's some rad clips of Benn Pigot in here too! 

Jason is fresh off a Fast and Loose crew bowl trip with in the US with Kris Fox, Corey Walsh, Matt Cordova and Cody Pollard and currently at Huntington Beach for the Vans BMX Pro Cup!

Get it Jason!

August 02, 2018 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Welcome To Back Bone BMX Jason Watts Video! - Back Bone BMX

Welcome To Back Bone BMX Jason Watts Video!

Jason Watts ripping one into the sunset at Weston Creek. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

We couldn't be more stoked on this. Jason Watts has been coming to the ACT jam for a number of years now and has always been stoked on the scene here in Canberra and Australia. At last year's jam, Jase spent some extra time around Canberra and we got to talking. Basically he shared the same stoke for the shop as we did for him and his riding, but particularly as the rad dude that he is and his passion for building the Australian scene. So naturally, we offered him a spot on the team. 

Jase wanted to film a welcome video as soon as it became 'official' but unbeknown to us Jason took it upon himself to contact the legend James Fox to make it happen.. We couldn't be more stoked on the outcome and look forward to working with Jase (and James) even more in the future!


jason watts bmx nimbin alley oop

Watts alley-ooped and whipped out, Nimbin. Photo: Tyson Jones-Peni

January 10, 2018 — Tyson Jones-Peni
Vans BMX Pro Cup Malaga - Back Bone BMX

Vans BMX Pro Cup Malaga

above image via vansbmxprocup.com

No doubt you've seen at least some of the insane riding that's gone down this past weekend in Malaga, Spain as the second stop of the Vans BMX Pro Cup has wrapped up. It has to have been one of the most incredible competitions that's gone down in recent memory and the riding was nothing short of mind blowing. It was pinnacle bowl riding! 

Congrats to Chase Hawk for snatching the victory despite some heavy riding from all competitors, and our brother Jason Watts for grabbing 13th in a stacked as hell field!

While it's not the finals, the above video from Freedom BMX features Ruben Alcantara speaking about the park and the way he designed it; which in itself is really interesting, plus of course some serious riding from the crew that were there for the comp. Hats off to Freedom BMX for getting Ruben's thoughts!

Vans is killing it with this series.. it's sick to see a brand steeped in BMX history doing things right - I guess that's why they're steeped in BMX history. 

Just for kicks, here's a photo of Jase blasting Weston while he was in town.

Jason Watts one foot table Weston

 

May 09, 2017 — Tyson Jones-Peni